Weight Of The Trailer Tongue - Cadillac 2008 CTS Owner's Manual

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted form the maximum trailer weight.
You can ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance
Offices on page 7-5 for more information.

Weight of the Trailer Tongue

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment,
passengers, or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the
tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will also
reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. And if you
tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the
GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight,
too. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-22 for
more information about your vehicle's maximum load
capacity.
If you are using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total
loaded trailer weight (B).
After you have loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You will find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information label. See Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-22. Then be sure you do not go over
the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight
of the trailer tongue.
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